The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-13
GRANT LETTERS.
Interesting Documents Relating To the War
Now First Published


Now First Published
Philadelphia Press.
The following letters written by General
Grant, now for the first time published The
interesting letter to General Pemberton, COM
mander of the confederate forces in Vcksburg,
is in the collection of Col John P Nicholson, by
whose courtesy we are enabled to lay it before
our readers. The second letter. which illustrates
another phase of General Grants character, is
in the possession of Col Robert L. Orr
GENERAL GRANT TO GENERAL PEMBERToN.
HEADQUARTERS DEPT OF THE TENNESSEE
BEFORE VIcKsBURG March 2, 1863. )
Lieutenant general j. G. Pemherton. commanding
Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana;
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES c. L. Stevenson's let
ter of the oath ult. written at your dictation,
was received last evening
This letter inclosed what purports to be copy
of an orde. issued by Admiral D. D. porter.to
his SQUADRON and made inquiry II it is authentic
will state that Admiral Porter's command
over the Mississippi squadron is complete aa
mine over the army in this department., ard
that he alone is responsible for any orders he
may issue
One thing, however, can guarantee Adj
miral Porter has never departed from the rules
OF civilized warfare, and never will unless
driven to do in retaliation for offenses COM
mitted by persons who, by their acts. cease to
be entitled to the treatment due soldiers cap
tured in legitimate warfare. There has been
much done by citizens of the Southern States
that Is not in accordance with any known rules
of civilized warfare, and for which they individ-
ually responsible, and can call for protection
in their acts upon no people or government
These are persons who are always in the guise
Of citizens, and on the approach OF
an army force remain at their
homes. protesting to be in no way connected
with the army, but entitled to all the indul-
gences allowed non-eombatants in q country WIS.,
tied by the opposing army. These same persons,
many of them, are even ready to FIRE upon I'M
armed vessels. or to capture and sometimes muir
Iav xSNotl~ - I'D clrc1 ~
passing.
do not here instance an isolated case, but
rule than seems to have been adopted particu-
larry in Mississippi and Arkansas
In the absence of any standard authority on
this subject believe all persons engaged in war
must have about them some insignia by which
they may be known at all times enemy to
entitle them to the treatment of prisoners OF
war. Then these hostilities must be carried on
in accordance with the rules Of civilized war
fare. In the absence Of these two conditions
being fulfilled they who violate them become re-
sponsihle for their own acts.
l have never threatened retaliation Upon those
recognized engaged in warfare against the
government for their illegal acts and until the
Southern authorities formally recognize them as
| their own do not propose to do So 1t is not my
intention, nor do believe it to be the intention
| of Admiral Porter. to hold the innocent respon-
| sible for the acts OF the guilty. regret that
! General Stevenson letter whilst making inquir-
| les. should contain q threat l have yet to hear
~
| alienation from the harships necessarily pro-
| duced by a state OF war.
All prisoners chat have fallen into my hands
| have been kindly and humaney treated. I'M
principled and overzealous persons many times
may exaggerato unavoidable suffering, but q
! sensible commander will always know how to
| receive such reports
| / will refer General Stevenson's letter to Adj
miral Porter who alone answer the queries.
| I am, General. very respectfully, your obedi>
| ent servant u. S. GRANT Major-generaL
| GENERAL GRANT ON sTRAGGLERs.
HEADQURTERs ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
NEAR HAw's SHOPS, May 81, 1864.
Brigader-General ). J. Abercrombe. Commanding
United States Forces, White house, vs.:
General have no special directions for you
at present further than say that you will for.
ward all reinforcements for this army as rapidly
as possible, give every facility for the loading Of
| trains with supplies, and when 1t is practicable
| send achievements along to guard them.
want all stragglers who 60 to the rear appra-
hended and sent back, under guard to the pro-
| vost marshalgeneral, General Patrick. When
| commissioned officers apprehended, cause
their buttons and shoulder straps to be publicly
cut from their coats. and send them, with their
| hands bound, here for trial Very respectfully,
U. S. GRANT, acknowledgement